Private OverheadElectric LinesUnderstanding your responsibilities

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Table of Contents

POEL Responsibilities 3

Where Your Line Begins 4

Vegetation Defects 6

Non – Reportable Defects 8

Electrical Defects 9

Attachment Defects 15

Table of Clearances 16

Terminology 17-18

Contacts 19

2 3

CitiPower and Powercor Australia - Your Electricity Distributors Depending on which electricity network area you live, CitiPower orPowercor are your electricity distributor. Your electricity distributordelivers to you the power you buy from your electricity retailer. Your retailer sends you your power bill and they pay us directlyfor distributing your power. Distributors do not sell you electricity.

Our aim is to provide you with a safe and reliable power supply, to respond to any electricity interruptions that may occur and torestore supply as quickly as possible.

Private Overhead Electric Lines- Your ResponsibilitiesEvery Year Victoria faces the risk of bushfires. Bushfires candevastate individual lives and communities and for this reasonproper preparation is essential. Your distributor works closely withCFA and the Metropolitan Fire and Emergency Services Board (MFB)to reduce the risk of bushfires in Victoria by undertaking an extensiveinspection and vegetation clearance program each year. Part of thisprogram includes the inspection of Private Overhead Electric Lines.

This brochure outlines your responsibilities as a landowner with a PrivateOverhead Electric Line (POEL), and your distributor’s responsibilities,whether your distributor is CitiPower or Powercor.

Your distributor will inspect your POEL up to the first switchboard at least once every three years to ensure it meets the standardsrequired under the Electricity Safety Act 1998. If your line does notmeet the standards required, your distributor is obliged to inform you ofthe defects identified on your line and issue you a written Defect Notice.

It is your responsibility to ensure that any defects on your privateline are repaired within the timeframe specified on the Defect Notice.

If you receive a Defect Notice, you will need to engage a RegisteredElectrical Contractor (REC) to repair any non-vegetation defects. A Certificate of Electrical Safety (CES) must be issued when repairsare complete. The CES is your guarantee that the repairs meet thesafety standards specified in the Act.

Vegetation Defects may be rectified by a professional Tree ClearingContractor or other competent person. Your distributor must beadvised in writing when all identif ied Defects have been rectified.

43805 Powercor Private Lines DL.indd 2-3 11/11/09 11:04 AM

Table of Contents

POEL Responsibilities 3

Where Your Line Begins 4

Vegetation Defects 6

Non – Reportable Defects 8

Electrical Defects 9

Attachment Defects 15

Table of Clearances 16

Terminology 17-18

Contacts 19

2 3

CitiPower and Powercor Australia - Your Electricity Distributors Depending on which electricity network area you live, CitiPower orPowercor are your electricity distributor. Your electricity distributordelivers to you the power you buy from your electricity retailer. Your retailer sends you your power bill and they pay us directlyfor distributing your power. Distributors do not sell you electricity.

Our aim is to provide you with a safe and reliable power supply, to respond to any electricity interruptions that may occur and torestore supply as quickly as possible.

Private Overhead Electric Lines- Your ResponsibilitiesEvery Year Victoria faces the risk of bushfires. Bushfires candevastate individual lives and communities and for this reasonproper preparation is essential. Your distributor works closely withCFA and the Metropolitan Fire and Emergency Services Board (MFB)to reduce the risk of bushfires in Victoria by undertaking an extensiveinspection and vegetation clearance program each year. Part of thisprogram includes the inspection of Private Overhead Electric Lines.

This brochure outlines your responsibilities as a landowner with a PrivateOverhead Electric Line (POEL), and your distributor’s responsibilities,whether your distributor is CitiPower or Powercor.

Your distributor will inspect your POEL up to the first switchboard at least once every three years to ensure it meets the standardsrequired under the Electricity Safety Act 1998. If your line does notmeet the standards required, your distributor is obliged to inform you ofthe defects identified on your line and issue you a written Defect Notice.

It is your responsibility to ensure that any defects on your privateline are repaired within the timeframe specified on the Defect Notice.

If you receive a Defect Notice, you will need to engage a RegisteredElectrical Contractor (REC) to repair any non-vegetation defects. A Certificate of Electrical Safety (CES) must be issued when repairsare complete. The CES is your guarantee that the repairs meet thesafety standards specified in the Act.

Vegetation Defects may be rectified by a professional Tree ClearingContractor or other competent person. Your distributor must beadvised in writing when all identif ied Defects have been rectified.

43805 Powercor Private Lines DL.indd 2-3 11/11/09 11:04 AM

Where Your Line Begins

Your POEL is your responsibility. The following diagrams willassist you in determining whether or not you have a POEL, andwhere it begins.

The above diagram shows your distributor’s pole on privatelyowned property. The Point of Supply is where the property owner’sline is connected to the distributor’s pole.

The Point of Supply in this instance is where the underground conductorcrosses the property boundary. A pit will normally define this point.

Your distributor’s service in this case is on a public roadway. Theconductor is carried on to the land by private poles and the Pointof Supply is at the first pole on the customer’s property. The poleand the hardware on the pole are owned by the customer.

4

Private Poles

Point of Supply

Private Lines

Distributor’s High Voltage Line

Distributor’s Pole

Distributor’s High Voltage Line

Point of Supply(On Boundry)

Private Line (Underground)

Property Boundry

Private Poles

Point of SupplyDistributor’s Line

Private Lines(Aerial)

In this case, the power is carried onto the customer’s propertyby an overhead line, connects to a private pole and then changes to an underground conductor. The Point of Supply is where thedistributor’s conductor attaches to the customer’s privately owned pole.

This diagram shows our pole servicing two customers. Thedistributor’s pole is on one customer’s property. The conductorfrom our pole to the customer on the same property are POELs, theconductor servicing the neighbour is your distributor’s conductor.

The pole and the hardware on the pole are your distributor’sresponsibility to maintain.

In this case the power is carried onto the customers property byan overhead line, connected to a private pole. The pole and thehardware on the pole are owned by the customer.

5

Private Pole

Point of Supply

Private Line (Underground)

Distributor’s Aerial Service

Distributor’s Overhead Line in Public Roadway

Point Of Supply(House 1 & Shed)

Point Of Supply(House 2)Private Line

(Underground)

Distributor’s Transformer

Private Line (Aerial)

Distributor’s Service

Distributor’s Poles

Shed

Property Boundary

House 1

House 2Shed

Private PolePrivate Line

Distributor’s Poles

ROADWAY

Distributor’s Service

43805 Powercor Private Lines DL.indd 4-5 11/11/09 11:04 AM

Where Your Line Begins

Your POEL is your responsibility. The following diagrams willassist you in determining whether or not you have a POEL, andwhere it begins.

The above diagram shows your distributor’s pole on privatelyowned property. The Point of Supply is where the property owner’sline is connected to the distributor’s pole.

The Point of Supply in this instance is where the underground conductorcrosses the property boundary. A pit will normally define this point.

Your distributor’s service in this case is on a public roadway. Theconductor is carried on to the land by private poles and the Pointof Supply is at the first pole on the customer’s property. The poleand the hardware on the pole are owned by the customer.

4

Private Poles

Point of Supply

Private Lines

Distributor’s High Voltage Line

Distributor’s Pole

Distributor’s High Voltage Line

Point of Supply(On Boundry)

Private Line (Underground)

Property Boundry

Private Poles

Point of SupplyDistributor’s Line

Private Lines(Aerial)

In this case, the power is carried onto the customer’s propertyby an overhead line, connects to a private pole and then changes to an underground conductor. The Point of Supply is where thedistributor’s conductor attaches to the customer’s privately owned pole.

This diagram shows our pole servicing two customers. Thedistributor’s pole is on one customer’s property. The conductorfrom our pole to the customer on the same property are POELs, theconductor servicing the neighbour is your distributor’s conductor.

The pole and the hardware on the pole are your distributor’sresponsibility to maintain.

In this case the power is carried onto the customers property byan overhead line, connected to a private pole. The pole and thehardware on the pole are owned by the customer.

5

Private Pole

Point of Supply

Private Line (Underground)

Distributor’s Aerial Service

Distributor’s Overhead Line in Public Roadway

Point Of Supply(House 1 & Shed)

Point Of Supply(House 2)Private Line

(Underground)

Distributor’s Transformer

Private Line (Aerial)

Distributor’s Service

Distributor’s Poles

Shed

Property Boundary

House 1

House 2Shed

Private PolePrivate Line

Distributor’s Poles

ROADWAY

Distributor’s Service

43805 Powercor Private Lines DL.indd 4-5 11/11/09 11:04 AM

Vegetation Defects

Trees Within Powerline Clearance Space– Insulated Conductors

Trees and other vegetation within the powerline clearancespace may cause fires, blackouts or other problems.

Your distributor will advise you if vegetation works are requiredon your private line. We recommend that a professional TreeClearing Contractor be engaged to clear the line.

Vegetation should be trimmed away to ensure it will not causeany damage to the conductor.

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CLEARANCE SPACEFree of Vegetation

NOT TO SCALE

Trees Within Powerline Clearance Space – Bare Wires

Under no circumstances climb the pole or approach thewires yourself.

CONTACT WITH LIVE WIRES CAN KILL

We strongly recommend the use of a professional Tree ClearingContractor when clearing vegetation within the proximity of barewires. You should consider removing vegetation that will requirecontinual pruning.

NEVER PRUNE NEAR HIGH VOLTAGE POWERLINES

Guide to Minimum Vertical and Horizontal Clearance

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Type ofConductor

Span up to 45metres Vertically below & horizontally

Span of 45-70metres Vertically below & horizontally

Bare Wire 1.5m 2.0m

NOT TO SCALE

CLEARANCE SPACEFree of Vegetation

Only specieswith suitablegrowth habits

shall be planted nearor under powerlines orbe allowed to remain

Trees should not beremoved without prior

consultation and agreement

43805 Powercor Private Lines DL.indd 6-7 11/11/09 11:04 AM

Vegetation Defects

Trees Within Powerline Clearance Space– Insulated Conductors

Trees and other vegetation within the powerline clearancespace may cause fires, blackouts or other problems.

Your distributor will advise you if vegetation works are requiredon your private line. We recommend that a professional TreeClearing Contractor be engaged to clear the line.

Vegetation should be trimmed away to ensure it will not causeany damage to the conductor.

6

CLEARANCE SPACEFree of Vegetation

NOT TO SCALE

Trees Within Powerline Clearance Space – Bare Wires

Under no circumstances climb the pole or approach thewires yourself.

CONTACT WITH LIVE WIRES CAN KILL

We strongly recommend the use of a professional Tree ClearingContractor when clearing vegetation within the proximity of barewires. You should consider removing vegetation that will requirecontinual pruning.

NEVER PRUNE NEAR HIGH VOLTAGE POWERLINES

Guide to Minimum Vertical and Horizontal Clearance

7

Type ofConductor

Span up to 45metres Vertically below & horizontally

Span of 45-70metres Vertically below & horizontally

Bare Wire 1.5m 2.0m

NOT TO SCALE

CLEARANCE SPACEFree of Vegetation

Only specieswith suitablegrowth habits

shall be planted nearor under powerlines orbe allowed to remain

Trees should not beremoved without prior

consultation and agreement

43805 Powercor Private Lines DL.indd 6-7 11/11/09 11:04 AM

Non–Reportable Defects

Termites

Termites can damage your private pole. Although termite infestationis not a reportable defect, you will be notified as a courtesy iftermites are detected during an inspection. Failure to treat termitesmay lead to substantial reconstruction or replacement of yourprivate line. Termite infestation must be treated by a RegisteredPest Controller as Australian Standards apply to pest control.

Pole Able to be Climbed

Serious injury or death may result from contact with overheadlines. Although it is not mandatory that private poles be fittedwith a guard, your distributor will advise you to do so if yourpoles are able to be climbed and you have an open wireservice. Any competent person may fit a pole guard.

8 9

Electrical Defects

Conductor to Conductor Clearance

Clearance between conductors must be maintained to reduce therisk of them clashing during windy weather. Clashing conductorsare a fire risk and can cause damage to the conductors. YourREC may install larger cross arms or spreaders to increase the conductor clearance. It may also be possible to resag theconductor. If these options are not suitable, consider installingan underground conductor. Work must be performed by a REC,and a CES must be issued upon completion of the work.

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Non–Reportable Defects

Termites

Termites can damage your private pole. Although termite infestationis not a reportable defect, you will be notified as a courtesy iftermites are detected during an inspection. Failure to treat termitesmay lead to substantial reconstruction or replacement of yourprivate line. Termite infestation must be treated by a RegisteredPest Controller as Australian Standards apply to pest control.

Pole Able to be Climbed

Serious injury or death may result from contact with overheadlines. Although it is not mandatory that private poles be fittedwith a guard, your distributor will advise you to do so if yourpoles are able to be climbed and you have an open wireservice. Any competent person may fit a pole guard.

8 9

Electrical Defects

Conductor to Conductor Clearance

Clearance between conductors must be maintained to reduce therisk of them clashing during windy weather. Clashing conductorsare a fire risk and can cause damage to the conductors. YourREC may install larger cross arms or spreaders to increase the conductor clearance. It may also be possible to resag theconductor. If these options are not suitable, consider installingan underground conductor. Work must be performed by a REC,and a CES must be issued upon completion of the work.

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Conductors Out of Sag

If one conductor hangs much lower than the others on thesame span, they are “out of sag”. When this occurs, there is increased danger of the conductors clashing (see above).Conductors may become out of sag if the cross arms or kingbolt on the pole have deteriorated, if the pole has twisted or if the conductors were struck by tree limbs or machinery. Inorder to minimise the dangers posed by this situation, a RECmust be engaged to rectify the defect. The REC may provideadvice about the most suitable option to pursue in this instance.Work must be performed by a REC, and a CES must be issuedupon completion of the work.

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Conductorsout of sag

Low Conductor Ground Clearance

Contact with overhead conductors can be fatal. To ensure yoursafety, conductors must meet minimum height requirements. If possible, a REC may be able to untie and resag the conductor.If this cannot be done, consider using raiser brackets or installingan underground conductor. Work must be performed by a REC,and a CES must be issued upon completion of the work.

Conductor Building Clearance

(Refer to table on page 16)

Minimum distances between buildings and conductors arerequired to reduce the risk of accidental contact. Conductorsmay be rerouted to obtain acceptable clearances. If this is notfeasible, installation of underground conductors may be anoption. Work must be performed by a REC, and a CES must be issued upon completion of the work.

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HorizontalClearance

VerticalClearance

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Conductors Out of Sag

If one conductor hangs much lower than the others on thesame span, they are “out of sag”. When this occurs, there is increased danger of the conductors clashing (see above).Conductors may become out of sag if the cross arms or kingbolt on the pole have deteriorated, if the pole has twisted or if the conductors were struck by tree limbs or machinery. Inorder to minimise the dangers posed by this situation, a RECmust be engaged to rectify the defect. The REC may provideadvice about the most suitable option to pursue in this instance.Work must be performed by a REC, and a CES must be issuedupon completion of the work.

10

Conductorsout of sag

Low Conductor Ground Clearance

Contact with overhead conductors can be fatal. To ensure yoursafety, conductors must meet minimum height requirements. If possible, a REC may be able to untie and resag the conductor.If this cannot be done, consider using raiser brackets or installingan underground conductor. Work must be performed by a REC,and a CES must be issued upon completion of the work.

Conductor Building Clearance

(Refer to table on page 16)

Minimum distances between buildings and conductors arerequired to reduce the risk of accidental contact. Conductorsmay be rerouted to obtain acceptable clearances. If this is notfeasible, installation of underground conductors may be anoption. Work must be performed by a REC, and a CES must be issued upon completion of the work.

11

HorizontalClearance

VerticalClearance

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Conductor Damaged

Damaged conductors are dangerous. If the conductor is insulatedand any of the insulation is missing or damaged, the exposedwire may be live. Contact with this could be fatal, and vegetationtouching the conductor in this area is more likely to start a fire.Attempting to “re-insulate” a conductor may compromise thesafety of the installation.

If the conductor is bare and unravelling (see image above) the danger of accidental contact leading to serious injury or death is increased. Insulated conductors should be replaced, not repaired. If more than 20% of the conductor needs to be replaced, the entire line will need to be placed underground. Conductors will be repaired by a REC under certain circumstances. Replacing or repairing conductors must be performed by a REC, and a CES must be issued upon completion of the work.

Spreaders Missing or Damaged

wire conductors in high fire danger areas. This will ensure that adequate conductor clearances are maintained (see page 9). Only a REC may fit or replace spreaders, and a CES must be

12 13

Defective/Broken Stays

A stay or guy wire is used to help keep your pole straight. A stay will usually have an insulator attached. When the stay,guy or insulator is damaged, risks such as an accidentalearthing are increased. If your pole develops a lean, otherdefects such as conductor to ground clearances, conductor toconductor clearances or damaged hardware may result. Workmust be performed by a REC, and a CES must be issued uponcompletion of the work.

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Spreaders must be fitted to each span of overhead bare open

issued upon completion of the work.

Conductor Damaged

Damaged conductors are dangerous. If the conductor is insulatedand any of the insulation is missing or damaged, the exposedwire may be live. Contact with this could be fatal, and vegetationtouching the conductor in this area is more likely to start a fire.Attempting to “re-insulate” a conductor may compromise thesafety of the installation.

If the conductor is bare and unravelling (see image above) the danger of accidental contact leading to serious injury or death is increased. Insulated conductors should be replaced, not repaired. If more than 20% of the conductor needs to be replaced, the entire line will need to be placed underground. Conductors will be repaired by a REC under certain circumstances. Replacing or repairing conductors must be performed by a REC, and a CES must be issued upon completion of the work.

Spreaders Missing or Damaged

wire conductors in high fire danger areas. This will ensure that adequate conductor clearances are maintained (see page 9). Only a REC may fit or replace spreaders, and a CES must be

12 13

Defective/Broken Stays

A stay or guy wire is used to help keep your pole straight. A stay will usually have an insulator attached. When the stay,guy or insulator is damaged, risks such as an accidentalearthing are increased. If your pole develops a lean, otherdefects such as conductor to ground clearances, conductor toconductor clearances or damaged hardware may result. Workmust be performed by a REC, and a CES must be issued uponcompletion of the work.

43805 Powercor Private Lines DL.indd 12-13 11/11/09 11:04 AM

Spreaders must be fitted to each span of overhead bare open

issued upon completion of the work.

Deteriorated Cross ArmsCross arms on POELs are normally made from timber. Overtime, the timber can deteriorate due to weather, termites orfungal rot. As the cross arms carry the wires from pole to pole,it is important to ensure that they are maintained in goodcondition. If the cross arms need to be replaced, contact aREC, and a CES must be issued upon completion of the work.

Deteriorated PoleA private pole may be made from timber (treated hardwood,untreated hardwood, treated pine) or steel (tubular or solid). Yourdistributor will inspect and test private poles at least once everythree years to ensure that the pole meets the required standard.

If your private pole is found to be sub-standard, your line mayrequire substantial reconstruction and you may be required toplace the whole line underground (see page 4). If substantialreconstruction is not required, your REC will advise you on the mostappropriate course of action to follow. Work must be performed bya REC, and a CES must be issued upon completion of the work.

14 15

Attachment DefectsThe defective items shown on this page indicate that yourPOEL requires attention. Neglecting these parts of your POELcan compromise your safety and jeopardise the continuity ofyour supply.

Depending on the state of the defective items, these repairscan be classified as Non-Urgent, Urgent-Safety or HazardousDefects. Repairs and maintenance on these items must beperformed by a REC, and a CES must be issued uponcompletion of the work.

Defective, Crackedor Chipped Insulators

Defective Ties

Defective Point of Attachment Defective Meter Box

Defective Service Fittings Defective Hardware

43805 Powercor Private Lines DL.indd 14-15 11/11/09 11:04 AM

Deteriorated Cross ArmsCross arms on POELs are normally made from timber. Overtime, the timber can deteriorate due to weather, termites orfungal rot. As the cross arms carry the wires from pole to pole,it is important to ensure that they are maintained in goodcondition. If the cross arms need to be replaced, contact aREC, and a CES must be issued upon completion of the work.

Deteriorated PoleA private pole may be made from timber (treated hardwood,untreated hardwood, treated pine) or steel (tubular or solid). Yourdistributor will inspect and test private poles at least once everythree years to ensure that the pole meets the required standard.

If your private pole is found to be sub-standard, your line mayrequire substantial reconstruction and you may be required toplace the whole line underground (see page 4). If substantialreconstruction is not required, your REC will advise you on the mostappropriate course of action to follow. Work must be performed bya REC, and a CES must be issued upon completion of the work.

14 15

Attachment DefectsThe defective items shown on this page indicate that yourPOEL requires attention. Neglecting these parts of your POELcan compromise your safety and jeopardise the continuity ofyour supply.

Depending on the state of the defective items, these repairscan be classified as Non-Urgent, Urgent-Safety or HazardousDefects. Repairs and maintenance on these items must beperformed by a REC, and a CES must be issued uponcompletion of the work.

Defective, Crackedor Chipped Insulators

Defective Ties

Defective Point of Attachment Defective Meter Box

Defective Service Fittings Defective Hardware

43805 Powercor Private Lines DL.indd 14-15 11/11/09 11:04 AM

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Table of Clearances

Minimum Building Clearances

Contact with overhead lines can kill. It is important that overheadelectric lines are high enough to prevent accidental contact.

Minimum Ground Clearances

Type ofConductor

AreasNormally

Accessibleby Persons

Areas NotNormally

Accessibleby Persons

HorizontalClearancesfrom Wall

ClothesLines,

TV Aerials,Stay Wires

etc.

AboveSwimming

Pools

TelecomConductors

Bare LiveConductor

3.0m 3.0m 2.0m 2.0mNot

permitted1.2m

InsulatedLive

Conductor3.0m 2.0m 1.0m 2.0m 3.0m 0.6m

NeutralScreen

Conductor2.0m 0.5m 1.0m 2.0m 3.0m 0.6m

Type of ConductorOver Areas Used

by VehiclesOver Areas not

Used by Vehicles

Over Areas WhereSailing Craft orIrrigation Pipes

Are Used

Bare Live Conductor 5.5m 5.0m Not Permitted

Insulated LiveConductor

4.5m 3.0m 5.5m

Neutral ScreenConductor

4.5m 3.0m 4.5m

17

Terminology

REC - Registered Electrical Contractor. Only engage anelectrician who is registered to practice in Victoria. Only a RECis licensed to do work on your installation. A REC is the onlyperson who can issue you with a CES.

CES - Certificate of Electrical Safety. This is issued by a RECupon completion of electrical work. This is your guarantee thatthe work performed on your line complies with the standardsset by ESV.

ESV - Energy Safe Victoria. ESV is the regulatory body whichsets all safety regulations and guidelines and oversees thesafety of electrical installations in Victoria. ESV is able to grantan extension of time or an exemption from the regulations inrelation to defects on POELs.

POEL - Private Overhead Electric Line. A POEL is owned bythe customer and carries electricity from the Point of Supply tothe customer. The POEL must supply the customer exclusively.It is the customer’s responsibility to maintain this line. Yourdistributor will inspect the line at least once every three years,and if the line is found not to comply with the prescribedstandards, a Defect Notice will be issued.

Defect Notice A Defect Notice is formal, written notificationthat your POEL requires attention in order to meet theregulatory standards. A Defect Notice will list all identifieddefects, advise you if the defects are urgent and whetheror not the property owner is required to place the privateline underground.

POS - Point of Supply. This is the point at which our serviceends and your private line begins. For a POEL, we are responsiblefor conductors and poles up to the point where our conductorhooks onto the customers POA. (See page 4).

43805 Powercor Private Lines DL.indd 16-17 11/11/09 11:04 AM

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Table of Clearances

Minimum Building Clearances

Contact with overhead lines can kill. It is important that overheadelectric lines are high enough to prevent accidental contact.

Minimum Ground Clearances

Type ofConductor

AreasNormally

Accessibleby Persons

Areas NotNormally

Accessibleby Persons

HorizontalClearancesfrom Wall

ClothesLines,

TV Aerials,Stay Wires

etc.

AboveSwimming

Pools

TelecomConductors

Bare LiveConductor

3.0m 3.0m 2.0m 2.0mNot

permitted1.2m

InsulatedLive

Conductor3.0m 2.0m 1.0m 2.0m 3.0m 0.6m

NeutralScreen

Conductor2.0m 0.5m 1.0m 2.0m 3.0m 0.6m

Type of ConductorOver Areas Used

by VehiclesOver Areas not

Used by Vehicles

Over Areas WhereSailing Craft orIrrigation Pipes

Are Used

Bare Live Conductor 5.5m 5.0m Not Permitted

Insulated LiveConductor

4.5m 3.0m 5.5m

Neutral ScreenConductor

4.5m 3.0m 4.5m

17

Terminology

REC - Registered Electrical Contractor. Only engage anelectrician who is registered to practice in Victoria. Only a RECis licensed to do work on your installation. A REC is the onlyperson who can issue you with a CES.

CES - Certificate of Electrical Safety. This is issued by a RECupon completion of electrical work. This is your guarantee thatthe work performed on your line complies with the standardsset by ESV.

ESV - Energy Safe Victoria. ESV is the regulatory body whichsets all safety regulations and guidelines and oversees thesafety of electrical installations in Victoria. ESV is able to grantan extension of time or an exemption from the regulations inrelation to defects on POELs.

POEL - Private Overhead Electric Line. A POEL is owned bythe customer and carries electricity from the Point of Supply tothe customer. The POEL must supply the customer exclusively.It is the customer’s responsibility to maintain this line. Yourdistributor will inspect the line at least once every three years,and if the line is found not to comply with the prescribedstandards, a Defect Notice will be issued.

Defect Notice A Defect Notice is formal, written notificationthat your POEL requires attention in order to meet theregulatory standards. A Defect Notice will list all identifieddefects, advise you if the defects are urgent and whetheror not the property owner is required to place the privateline underground.

POS - Point of Supply. This is the point at which our serviceends and your private line begins. For a POEL, we are responsiblefor conductors and poles up to the point where our conductorhooks onto the customers POA. (See page 4).

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19

Who do you contact?

If you have any questions about the information in thisbrochure or your private electric line, please contact:

CitiPower and Powercor Australia POEL Customer ServiceGeneral Enquiries 13 22 06Facsimile (03) 9683 4190

Powercor Australia Service Difficulties and Faults (24 hours)13 24 12Telephone Interpreter 13 14 50

CitiPowerService Difficulties and Faults (24 hours)13 12 80Telephone Interpreter 13 14 50

Essential Services Commission(03) 951 0222www.reggen.vic.gov.au

Energy Safe Victoria(03) 9203 9700www.esv.vic.gov.au

Energy and Water Ombudsman (Victoria)1800 500 509www.ewov.com.au

CFA1800 240 667www.cfa.vic.gov.au

MFB03 9662 2311www.mfbb.vic.gov.au

© Copyright CitiPower Pty ABN 76 064 651 056

© Copyright Powercor Australia Ltd ABN 89 064 651 109

All rights reserved.

Essential Services Commission1300 664 969www.esc.vic.gov.au

MFB(03) 9662 2311www.mfb.vic.gov.au

CFAwww.cfa.vic.gov.au

Victorian Bushfire Information Line (VBIL)1800 240 667 (TTY 1800 122 969)

18

Terminology (cont.)

POA - Point of Attachment. The POA is the privately ownedequipment to which our conductor attaches.

Non-Urgent Defect - A Non-Urgent Defect does not pose an immediate threat. Non-Urgent Defects must be repairedwithin 60 days.

Urgent Safety - An Urgent Safety Fire Defect compromises thecontinued safety of your installation and is potentially dangerous.An Urgent Safety Defect must be repaired within 30 days.

Urgent Fire Defect - An Urgent Fire Defect poses animmediate bushfire risk. If your line is assessed as havingan Urgent Fire Defect, on days of total fire ban this defect isre-rated to Hazardous.

Hazardous Defect - A Hazardous Defect is considered to pose an unacceptable risk to the safety of residents aselectrical failure or combustion may be imminent. Due to theextreme danger posed by Hazardous Defects, the supply ofelectricity to the affected installation is immediatelydisconnected upon identification of the defect. Power isrestored when defects are repaired.

TFB - Total Fire Ban days are declared by CFA. On TFB days,your distributor is required to disconnect private lines withoutstanding Urgent Defects.

Substantial Reconstruction - If more than 20% of the polesor conductors of your POEL needs to be replaced and theinstallation is in an area not classified as low bushfire risk byCFA, the POEL must be placed underground. This requirementis detailed in the Electricity Safety Act 1998, and the ElectricitySafety (Installations) Regulations 2009.

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19

Who do you contact?

If you have any questions about the information in thisbrochure or your private electric line, please contact:

CitiPower and Powercor Australia POEL Customer ServiceGeneral Enquiries 13 22 06Facsimile (03) 9683 4190

Powercor Australia Service Difficulties and Faults (24 hours)13 24 12Telephone Interpreter 13 14 50

CitiPowerService Difficulties and Faults (24 hours)13 12 80Telephone Interpreter 13 14 50

Essential Services Commission(03) 951 0222www.reggen.vic.gov.au

Energy Safe Victoria(03) 9203 9700www.esv.vic.gov.au

Energy and Water Ombudsman (Victoria)1800 500 509www.ewov.com.au

CFA1800 240 667www.cfa.vic.gov.au

MFB03 9662 2311www.mfbb.vic.gov.au

© Copyright CitiPower Pty ABN 76 064 651 056

© Copyright Powercor Australia Ltd ABN 89 064 651 109

All rights reserved.

Essential Services Commission1300 664 969www.esc.vic.gov.au

MFB(03) 9662 2311www.mfb.vic.gov.au

CFAwww.cfa.vic.gov.au

Victorian Bushfire Information Line (VBIL)1800 240 667 (TTY 1800 122 969)

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Terminology (cont.)

POA - Point of Attachment. The POA is the privately ownedequipment to which our conductor attaches.

Non-Urgent Defect - A Non-Urgent Defect does not pose an immediate threat. Non-Urgent Defects must be repairedwithin 60 days.

Urgent Safety - An Urgent Safety Fire Defect compromises thecontinued safety of your installation and is potentially dangerous.An Urgent Safety Defect must be repaired within 30 days.

Urgent Fire Defect - An Urgent Fire Defect poses animmediate bushfire risk. If your line is assessed as havingan Urgent Fire Defect, on days of total fire ban this defect isre-rated to Hazardous.

Hazardous Defect - A Hazardous Defect is considered to pose an unacceptable risk to the safety of residents aselectrical failure or combustion may be imminent. Due to theextreme danger posed by Hazardous Defects, the supply ofelectricity to the affected installation is immediatelydisconnected upon identification of the defect. Power isrestored when defects are repaired.

TFB - Total Fire Ban days are declared by CFA. On TFB days,your distributor is required to disconnect private lines withoutstanding Urgent Defects.

Substantial Reconstruction - If more than 20% of the polesor conductors of your POEL needs to be replaced and theinstallation is in an area not classified as low bushfire risk byCFA, the POEL must be placed underground. This requirementis detailed in the Electricity Safety Act 1998, and the ElectricitySafety (Installations) Regulations 2009.

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05-B200 Version 4 July 2010

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05-B200 Version 4 July 2010

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